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18.10.035 Leaf Blowers.

(Replaced by Ordinance No. 177767, effective September 1, 2003.)

A. For purposes of Section 18.10.035, “leaf blower” means any portable device designed or intended to blow, vacuum, or move leaves or any other type of debris or material by generating a concentrated stream of air. “Leaf blower” shall include any devices or machines that accept vacuum attachments.

B. General operating restrictions.

1. Commercial and other zones. No person shall operate a leaf blower in commercial, industrial, and open space zones, or in the adjoining public right-of-way, between the hours of 9:00 pm and 7:00 am the following morning, seven days a week, unless the leaf blower meets the requirements of Section 18.10.010 A. - F. and H.

2. Residential zones. No person shall operate a leaf blower in residential zones, or in the adjoining public right-of-way, between the hours of 7:00 pm to 7:00 am the following morning, seven days a week.

3. For purposes of Section 18.10.035 B., right-of-way adjoining residential zones and any other zone shall be considered as being within residential zones.

C. Noise restrictions.

1. By August 1, 2006, the Noise Control Officer shall establish a list of the leaf blowers not exceeding a 65 dBA sound level at 50 feet. The Noise Control Officer’s list shall include only leaf blowers certified by a third-party testing laboratory, using American National Standards Institute (ANSI) methodology, ANSI B175.2-2000. Thereafter, the Noise Control Officer shall update the certified list at least annually, or as it is informed of other certified leaf blowers.

2. By August 1, 2006, the Noise Control Officer shall establish a list of the leaf blowers not exceeding a 70 dBA sound level at 50 feet. The Noise Control Officer’s list shall include only leaf blowers certified by a third-party testing laboratory, using American National Standards Institute (ANSI) methodology, ANSI B175.2-2000. Thereafter, the Noise Control Officer shall update the certified list at least annually, or as it is informed of other certified leaf blowers.

3. From March 1 through October 31st of each year, operation of any leaf blower within the City of Portland, which is not on the certified list of 65 dba , or quieter, leaf blowers as developed by the Noise Control Officer, shall constitute a violation of Title 18.

4. From November 1 through February 28th of each year, operation of any leaf blower within the City of Portland, which is not on the certified list of 70 dba , or quieter, leaf blowers as developed by the Noise Control Officer, shall constitute a violation of Title 18.

D. Leaf Blower Use on Large Open Spaces

1. Leaf blowers operated on Open Space land use zones at a distance of 200 feet or greater from the property line shall not exceed a 75 dBA sound level, using American National Standards Institute (ANSI) methodology, ANSI B175.2-2000.